Summary

Chapter 77 – The novel remains in the present. Oliver and Erika stand in her mother’s front yard. Sylvia meets them outside, and blames the hoarding mess on the rain. Oliver and Erika reveal to Sylvia they will no longer be using Clementine as an egg donor. Sylvia claims to be crushed by the news. A garbage dumpster is delivered, and Oliver and Erika get to work cleaning up the yard. Almost everything they throw out is an argument with Sylvia, but they make slow progress. As the sunlight warms Erika’s face, she suddenly remembers everything.

Chapter 78: The Day of the Barbeque – Erika holds plates Vid has given her to bring outside. The plates are beautiful, and Erika has an urge to keep them. Erika watches Holly and Ruby playing in the yard. She realizes no adults are watching the kids. She becomes lost...